Muir Woods National Monument in Mill Valley, California, protects a stand of coastal redwoods 17 miles northwest of downtown San Francisco. Named after naturalist John Muir, the monument represents a small portion of the land San Francisco businessman William Kent acquired in the early 1900s in an effort to establish a national park. Although Muir Woods does not have camping facilities, four campgrounds within 25 miles of the monument have RV sites.

Golden Gate Mobile and RV Park

Golden Gate Mobile and RV Park, 10 miles northeast of Muir Woods in Greenbrae, is a good base for visiting Muir as well as nearby Mt. Tamalpais and the Corte Madera Ecological Preserve. The campground, just off California 101, has full RV hookups and amenities such as cable TV, wireless Internet, hot showers and a laundry room. Campers may want to explore area hiking trails or take the San Francisco Ferry to the city. Golden Gate welcomes leashed dogs.

Olema RV Resort and Campground

Olema RV Resort and Campground, 23 miles northwest of Muir Woods in Olema, is surrounded by Point Reyes National Seashore, 65,000 acres of beaches, forests and meadows. Point Reyes is a popular place for bird and wildlife viewing, horseback riding and kayaking. The Olema campground, on 30 wooded acres, has sites with full RV hookups, picnic tables, fire rings and wireless Internet. Amenities include bathrooms with showers, laundry facilities, a dump station, playground, post office and ATM. Facilities for horseshoes, volleyball, shuffleboard and tetherball surround the clubhouse at the park entrance.

Novato RV Park

Novato RV Park, 24 miles north of Muir Woods, sits at the foot of oak-studded hills that provide miles of trails for hiking, bicycling and bird-watching. The park has RV sites, including big rig sites, with full hookups. Amenities include wireless Internet, a laundry room, a convenience store and deli, cable TV, a pool and a dog walk area. Golf is available at four area courses. Novato RV Park is a certified Bay Area Green Business.

San Francisco RV and Camping Resort

San Francisco RV and Camping Resort, 24 miles south of Muir Woods in Pacifica, sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The campground has paved sites to accommodate RVs of all sizes. Oceanfront sites have great views, but no hookups. Other sites have full hookups and wireless Internet. The campground boasts a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, a laundry room, restrooms with showers, a playground, a clubhouse and a general store. Pets are welcome.

About the Author

Matthew Huntington has been writing travel articles since 2002. His pieces have appeared in "National Geographic Traveler," "American Way" and "The Miami Herald." Huntington speaks fluent Spanish and has lived in many parts of Latin America, including Ecuador, Guatemala and Puerto Rico. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in European studies from Brigham Young University.